14Mar 2013 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments
Q&A on the 2-3 Press Forecheck

Q&A on the 2-3 Press Forecheck

Coaches' Corner, Offensive Zone, Philosophy, Team Systems
How to Convert the 2-3 Press into Offense after the Transition I recently received a question on the 2-3 Press Forecheck. The question looked like this: Jeremy, How do you transition from forecheck to offense when you create a turnover in the 2-3 press? It seems tough to run a cycle because you will draw players out of good defensive position. Nick I decided to answer it in a post, rather than to try to explain it via email or blog comment. Here's a quick summary of how it works: How to Convert the 2-3 Press into Offense after the Transition 1. F1 Drives deep and hits the puck-carrying defenseman 2. F2 Reads the play, and supports F1 3. F3 sets up on the blue line, between the two defensemen…
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18Feb 2013 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

Swing Regroup: FAQ

Coaches' Corner, Neutral Zone, Neutral Zone Tactics, Philosophy, Team Skills, Team Systems
Some Frequently Asked Questions on the Swing Regroup In our Coaches' Training Course we outline the fundamentals of the Swing Regroup, which is one of my favorite regroup set-ups. Over the past few weeks, I've received a number of emails with questions on the Swing Regroup. So I figured it was time to put together an FAQ video. The problem many coaches were having, was differentiating between the "textbook version" and the "read and react version." In other words... in a perfect world, we draw up the play, and the players perform it exactly as diagrammed, AKA textbook execution. However, in the actual game, sometimes it happens as planned, but many times it doesn't. In these cases there's a degree of improvisation that needs to be accounted for... this is…
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06Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

Neutral Zone: Backchecking

Neutral Zone, Team Systems
Some simple Backchecking tips to improve effectiveness Believe it or not, there is actually some technique to backchecking in hockey. Most players just put their head down and get back into the defensive zone as quickly as possible... this is a good start, but players need to do more if they want to REALLY stop the scoring threat. Here are a few key points from the video: 1. Backcheck with a purpose: Keep your head on a swivel while backchecking, and pick up any loose opponents along the way. Make sure you stick with them ALL THE WAY back into the zone (many players release their man at the blueline for some reason). 2. Revert to "5-Card" Formation: I explain this in the video, but use the "5-Card" set-up as…
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05Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

Forecheck: 2-1-2 Spread/Stack

Offensive Zone, Team Systems
Two simple variations of a 2-1-2 forecheck The 2-1-2 forecheck is generally one of the first set-ups young players learn. It is simple to understand, and can be taught at very young age groups. In this video we outline two possible variations of the 2-1-2 that you can choose from based on the other team's strengths and weaknesses. The 2-1-2 Stack puts extreme pressure on the puck-carrying defenseman, and makes it virtually impossible to break out up the strong side of the ice. The Spread is used to combat the D to D pass behind the net. In either set-up, our F3 and our two Defensemen need to anticipate and get to the proper position quickly! Enjoy!
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07Apr 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments
Spice Figure 8 Passing Drill

Spice Figure 8 Passing Drill

Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Neutral Zone, Passing & Timing, Regroups, Shooting, Skating & Agility, Team Skill Drills, Team Systems Drills
Here's Another One of my Favorite Hockey Passing Drills I love this hockey passing drill because it just flows well––especially when you have the right group of players for it. At it's best, this is a quick-paced, "tic-tac-toe" type of drill. However, if you have the wrong group of players, this drill will grind to a halt pretty quickly. So, just make sure your players are advanced enough before attempting this one! Here's the diagram and explanation: Spice Figure 8 Passing Drill 1. On the whistle, one (F) from each line diagonally across from each other goes. 2. Each (F) takes a few steps forward, then passes to the far (D). 3. The defensemen make a few "D to D" passes, then hit the (F) as he power turns around…
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